Plukon Food Group expands into Denmark with acquisition of HKFoods operations

DENMARK – Plukon Food Group B.V. has received final approval from the Danish Competition Authority to acquire HKFoods’ operations in Denmark, with plans to finalize the transaction by the end of October 2024. 

The move will see the transfer of ownership of HKFoods’ Danish subsidiary and its employees to Plukon upon completion.

Plukon initially announced the acquisition on May 2, 2024, and has since worked to secure the necessary regulatory approval. 

The acquisition involves two of HKFoods’ production facilities in Vinderup and Skovgaard, along with the Rose consumer brand, which is well-known in Denmark. 

In 2023, HKFoods’ Danish operations generated EUR 230 million in sales, with a comparable EBIT of EUR 3.3 million (US$3.5M), and employed approximately 680 people.

Kees Kraijenoord, CEO of Plukon Food Group, described the acquisition as a pivotal moment for the company’s expansion into the Nordic region. 

He emphasized that the integration process would focus on enhancing operational capabilities while maintaining a smooth transition for the personnel involved.

Plukon, a major player in Europe’s poultry, meals, and alternative protein sectors, operates 36 locations across six countries and reported a turnover of EUR 3.1 billion (US$3.37M) in 2023. 

With around 10,000 employees, the company has been actively expanding its presence in various European markets.

Earlier this year, in April, Plukon made headlines with its acquisition of Spanish poultry producer Sambau, finalizing the deal on April 26, 2024. Sambau, based in Algete, Madrid, specializes in chicken distribution and processing for the Spanish market. 

The family-owned business, founded in 1986, reported revenues of EUR 21 million in 2023 and employs 56 people.

Although the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Kraijenoord expressed confidence in the potential collaboration between the two companies. 

The acquisition marks Plukon’s fourth major deal in the last 12 months, reflecting its strategy to expand operations across Europe.

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